Match Report: Southport 3-0 South Shields

South Shields were left frustrated as they went away empty-handed in a 3-0 defeat against Southport on Saturday.

Elliott Dickman’s side were hoping to bounce back after last weekend’s loss against Needham Market but in spite of trying, they were unable to find the target out there. 

Goals from Tom Moore, Danny Lloyd and Marcus Carver condemned the Mariners to a second successive 3-0 defeat in the Vanarama National League North.

That isn’t to say Shields didn’t deserve to get something out of the game, as things might have presented themselves differently at full-time had some chances gone their way.

The Mariners were bright in the opening spell, at least before the hosts found their first goal of the afternoon.

Martin Smith smashed his early shot off the crossbar in front of the travelling fans.

Jid Okeke launched an effort just inside the 18-yard box on his right side but it sailed over the crossbar.

Okeke then weaved between numerous Southport defenders en route to the box but he agonisingly couldn’t get the resulting strike on target - he did everything but score then.

Moore gave the Sandgrounders the lead in the 25th minute following a lovely volley which Kyle Seymour just couldn’t do anything about.

After the break, things took a turn and Southport settled into the game more comfortably than they had done so previously.

Smith lost possession and a quick counter-attack in the 52nd minute saw Lloyd through on goal, with only a surging Seymour to defeat.

He ended up knocking the ball past the Shields keeper, before hitting it home in front of an empty net.

Robert Briggs hit from range in what was potentially the Mariners' best chance of the game - Southport keeper Chris Renshaw had to dive in order to reach it. 

The game was settled in the 76th minute when a long ball over the top of the Shields defence arrived at Carver’s feet.

He quickly reacted to the situation and lobbed the ball over Seymour, again into an empty net.

A run of four in five games being at home could help propel the Mariners forward, with the continued backing of their home support being more pivotal than ever.

Next up is Leamington at 1st Cloud Arena next Saturday and there is a ‘bring two guests free’ scheme on offer for season ticket holders who arrive before 1:30pm on the day.

Southport: Renshaw, Thomson, Doyle, Knight-Percival, Lloyd (Gomes 90+2’), Morgan (Spooner 61’), Carver, Quansah, Moore (Stafford 45’), Burgess (Angus 71’), Philliskirk. 

Unused substitutes: Russ. 

Goals: Moore (25’), Lloyd (53’), Carver (76’)

South Shields: Seymour, Okeke, Shepherd, Bramwell, Morse, Smith (McGowan 64’), Briggs, Jenkins, Mee, Hodgson, Rutledge (Crossley 63’). 

Unused substitutes: Boney, Sloan, Evitt. 

Attendance: 1,102. 

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19)